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Published : 02 May 2025, 11:18 PM
A secret torture chamber has been discovered in Raiganj Upazila of Sirajganj, where a woman and an elderly man were allegedly held captive for five months before managing to escape by digging a tunnel.
The two individuals, now freed, claim that the location was used to detain people and extort money through illegal activities such as kidney trafficking and illegal land transfers.
Crowds gathered in the area on Friday morning after news of the hidden room came to light. Local administration officials visited the scene and confirmed the claims.
Md Asaduzzaman, chief of Raiganj Police Station, reported that a suspect has been detained in connection with the incident.
The rescued individuals have been identified as Abdul Jubbar, 75, and Shilpi Begum, 48. They reportedly escaped around 1am on Thursday night and recounted the incidents to relatives upon returning home.
The detained suspect has been identified as Nazmul Hossain Arafat, 45. Arafat, who worked as a rural medical practitioner and journalist, has since been expelled from the Raiganj Press Club.
Speaking about her experience, Shilpi alleged that she had been abducted nearly six months ago due to a land dispute.
“I was kept somewhere else for a month before being confined in this room for five months. Sometimes they would give me injections,” she said.
She accused Arafat and several others of involvement.
Abdul, who was found to be unwell, has been admitted to Raiganj Upazila Health Complex for treatment.
His son, Shafiqul Islam, said: “My father went missing on the afternoon of Nov 8 last year. When we couldn’t find him anywhere, I filed a general diary with the police on Nov 12.”
“Last night, he managed to escape and return home. Due to his condition, he has been admitted to the hospital.”
Locals revealed that the building in question is owned by Sumon Sheikh, and the ground floor had been rented out to Arafat. He is said to have converted it into three or four small rooms, and was often seen visiting late at night with others.
Enraged locals later vandalised and set fire to the homes of Sumon and Arafat. The fire was brought under control by the Fire Service.
Asaduzzaman confirmed that the detained suspect is currently being interrogated, and efforts are underway to arrest others involved.
Faruk Hossain, superintendent of police for Sirajganj, said: “We are treating the matter with utmost seriousness. Legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.”
